This interview is part of a new series on Vida de PhD—a podcast hosted by Lorena Aceves, a research scientist at ChildTrends, that explores stories of impact at the intersection of research and people. In collaboration with Child Trends, this series aims to spotlight researchers whose work meaningfully supports youth, families, and communities. In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Andra Wilkinson, senior researchscientist at Child Trends, about her journey into research, her approach to impactful science, and her vision for the future of public health research.

In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Mara Lopez, who is just the coolest human ever. Her educational journey is uniquely hers and the story she tells with it is so empowering. Mara is an incredible human, professional, and student of life. Tune in to learn more about her journey! En amor y poder, Lorena

This interview is part of a new series on Vida de PhD—a podcast hosted by Lorena Aceves, a research scientist at Child Trends, that explores stories of impact at the intersection of research and people. In collaboration with Child Trends, this series aims to spotlight researchers whose work meaningfully supports youth, families, and communities. In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Renee Ryberg, senior research scientist at Child Trends, about her journey into research, her approach to making an impact, and her vision for the future of research on student parents.

In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Debbie Rivas-Drake who takes us through journey into academia. She shares a wealth of wisdom around mentorship and the power it has to transform journeys. We also touch on the importance of community beyond your institution , such as national societies like the Society for Research on Child Development. Enjoy this amazing episode, en amor y poder! Lorena

In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Rebecca Berger about her journey to pursuing her PhD and a non-academic career. Rebecca shares some precious gems around mentorship and her journey that may shed some light for your journey. Tune on in! En amor y poder, Lorena

This episode focuses on rebooting the show after a break for the summer. Lorena recaps the importance of community by finally sharing some highlights from the SRCD 2025 conference along with some comments from SRCD Latinx Caucus members. Tune in to relish in the beauty and importance of community.

This podcast is part of a new series on Vida de PhD—a podcast hosted by Lorena Aceves, a research scientist at Child Trends, that explores stories of impact at the intersection of research and people. In collaboration with Child Trends, this series aims to spotlight researchers whose work meaningfully supports youth, families, and communities. In this inaugural episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Samantha Holquist, program area director for education at Child Trends, about her journey into research, her approach to community engagement, and her vision for the future of education research.

In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Elizabeth Munoz a fellow Latina scholar who is also a Penn State grad! Elizabeth is the first aging researcher that Lorena has on the show. She talks about the importance of family in her educational and professional journey and making career decisions that uplift your personal life goals too! Tune in to hear her story and be inspired!

En amor y poder,

Lorena

In this episode, Lorena sits down to interview Karina who now is Dr. Karina Jalapa. Karina shares her journey growing up in a Hispanic family and pursuing higher education. She dives into her graduate school experience which is almost complete. Karina ends by sharing that she's open to exploring where her journey may take her outside of the academy. Tune in, especially if you are at the beginning of your doctoral journey.

En amor y poder,

Lorena

In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Lisa Lopez that walks us through her journey in higher education to her current position as a full professor. Lisa talks about the important of role that community and community partnerships has played through her academic journey. Tune in to listen and learn more about her journey.

En Amor y Poder,

Lorena